Provost Search Update

As you are well aware, our institution has been engaged in a search for the University’s next senior vice president for Academic and Student Affairs and Provost. During the past year, a search committee – chaired by Dr. DoVeanna Fulton, dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences – worked diligently and reviewed the credentials of many qualified candidates for this role. In spite of the committee’s fine efforts, I have elected not to extend an offer to a finalist at this time.

The role of Provost is pivotal for any institution of higher education, and I am confident that we will identify the right person for this extraordinary opportunity. Dean Fulton expressed confidence that there are many applicants who are attracted to this position and that the committee is committed to identifying a candidate capable of leading UHD to new heights. Until then, Ed Hugetz will remain at UHD with the title of senior vice president for Academic and Student Affairs and Provost. He will serve in this capacity until the conclusion of the academic year and into the summer, at which time Mr. Hugetz has indicated his intention to retire.

In the past year, UHD has experienced unprecedented success in a number of key areas. The University’s retention and graduation rates continue to rise; our student success initiatives are gaining state and national attention, most recently as a recipient of the STAR award from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board; and UHD has had a historic fundraising year. All of these successes can be attributed to the extraordinary commitment of our faculty, staff and students. I am confident that our institution will continue on its upward trajectory and that we will identify our next provost soon.

I thank Dean Fulton and the search committee for their work and professionalism throughout this process. Likewise, I extend our thanks to Ed Hugetz for his more than five years of service to our institution. He has indicated to me that it has been his distinct honor to serve UHD, and remains willing to continue in this role as we seek a candidate to build on our remarkable momentum.

We will resume the provost search following the winter break, and updates will be provided in future communications.